Ask of politicians the end for which laws were originally designed; and they will answer, that the laws were designed as a protection for the poor and weak, against the oppression of the rich and powerful.  But surely no pretence can be so ridiculous; a man might as well tell me he has taken off my load, because he has changed the burden.  If the poor man is not able to support his suit, according to the vexatious and expensive manner established in civilized countries, has not the rich as great an advantage over him as the strong has over the weak in a state of nature?  But we will not place the state of nature, which is the reign of God, in competition with political society, which is the absurd usurpation of man.  In a state of nature, it is true that a man of superior force may beat or rob me; but then it is true, that I am at full liberty to defend myself, or make reprisal by surprise or by cunning, or by any other way in which I may be superior to him.  But in political society, a rich man may rob me in another way.  I cannot defend myself; for money is the only weapon with which we are allowed to fight.  And if I attempt to avenge myself the whole force of that society is ready to complete my ruin.

A good parson once said, that where mystery begins, religion ends.  Cannot I say, as truly at least, of human laws, that where mystery begins, justice ends?  It is hard to say, whether the doctors of law or divinity have made the greater advances in the lucrative business of mystery.  The lawyers, as well as the theologians, have erected another reason besides natural reason; and the result has been, another justice besides natural justice.  They have so bewildered the world and themselves in unmeaning forms and ceremonies, and so perplexed the plainest matters with metaphysical jargon, that it carries the highest danger to a man out of that profession, to make the least step without their advice and assistance.  Thus, by confining to themselves the knowledge of the foundation of all men’s lives and properties, they have reduced all mankind into the most abject and servile dependence.  We are tenants at the will of these gentlemen for everything; and a metaphysical quibble is to decide whether the greatest villain breathing shall meet his deserts, or escape with impunity, or whether the best man in the society shall not be reduced to the lowest and most despicable condition it affords.  In a word, my lord, the injustice, delay, puerility, false refinement, and affected mystery of the law are such, that many who live under it come to admire and envy the expedition, simplicity, and equality of arbitrary judgments.  I need insist the less on this article to your lordship, as you have frequently lamented the miseries derived to us from artificial law, and your candor is the more to be admired and applauded in this, as your lordship’s noble house has derived its wealth and its honors from that profession.